L. Tom Perry's Talk Analysis

For our writing class we had to analyze a talk that was given in this Aprils' General Conference. 

Jessica Harding

Writing 150

President L. Tom Perry’s talk

I thought it was interesting how in L. Tom Perry’s talk he shared a story of a person who was adamant about testifying of the gospel.   L. Tom Perry’s talk was one of my favorite because of the story of a man who was a little handicapped that was his special friend.  He said how the friend of his always sent him a tie to wear at conference and how he was so good at sharing the gospel.   He constantly was talking to people in order to make friends and share what he knew.  I believe L. Tom Perry told this story in order to inspire us to share what we know as well.

L. Tom Perry used a lot of pathos in this speech, and this is one of the examples of his use of pathos.  Because he told us details about this man and the way that he acted and that he was a little handicapped, it pulls our emotions in.   People like to know what the person in the story looks like because than they have something to associate with.   This story also shows the people he is speaking to that if a man who is a little handicapped can go out and share the gospel so adamantly, than all of us should be able to do the same.

I believe that this talk was mostly centered towards adults and teenagers.  He talked about going out and sharing the gospel without fear, and I feel many adults and teenagers have a problem with this.  Children will usually go up to anybody and share what they believe but as adults, we are more likely to not follow their example because of our fear of causing disruption.  We should be able to share the gospel with people because everyone needs to know it.  It is our job to share the gospel with as many people as we can, and so we should follow the example of this handicapped man and share what we know.

Some of the enthusiasm of this man is shown in a short five lines L. Tom Perry shared.  

“Are you a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?” said this man.

“No, I’m not,” said the other person.

“You should be. It is a great church!  Have you read the book of Mormon?”  He asked.

“No, I haven’t,” said the other man.

“You should.  It’s a great book.”

I really liked how in this little section he demonstrated this man’s love of the church and the Book of Mormon.  If we all had this kind of enthusiasm, I believe the devil would not stand a chance against the strength of the saints. This little section shows how people can convey a message in such a short time. He can be an example to all of the members of the church.  Even though he is a little handicapped, he does not let this stop him.  We can all try to share the gospel, just as enthusiastically and frequently as this man does.